The Victor-Victrola Page 
VE 8-60
RARITY: YYY VALUE YYY
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The
VE 8-60 was an intriguing phonograph introduced in the fall of 1926. It had a
cabinet identical to the popular Credenza model (left),
but with an unusual twist; it offered the user the ability to select either
acoustical or electronic reproduction of music. This model was introduced at a
time when conventional acoustic reproduction was losing popularity to the more
modern electronic (tube amplified) methods, primarily due to the rapidly falling
cost of electronic components. Although electronic amplification could provide
greater volume with more user control, it also could add hum and noise and other
unwanted artifacts to the music. The 8-60 allowed a direct comparison to be made
between the two types of reproduction, and it was possible to select the most
pleasing method for a particular recording or style of music.
Achieving both forms of reproduction required that the tonearm be equipped with 2 soundboxes; one acoustical and one electronic (picture below right). A standard full sized Orthophonic folded horn was used (identical to the Credenza). A mechanical control valve allowed the user to switch the horn's input between the acoustic soundbox and an electrical driver, which was powered by the amplifier located at the bottom of the cabinet.
The original 1926 selling price of the 8-60 was a whopping $650.00. An estimated total of nearly 3,500 VE 8-60's were made until the model was discontinued in early 1928.
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